Guntur: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu, seeking a response to a plea by the Andhra Pradesh government challenging the regular bail granted to him in the skill development corporation scam case. The bench, consisting of justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma, has directed that the conditions imposed in the bail order continue until the next hearing on December 8, except for participation in public rallies and meetings.
While Naidu is allowed to hold public rallies and meetings, other bail conditions, such as refraining from making public comments related to the case, remain in effect. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had converted Naidu's four-week interim medical bail into absolute bail, considering factors such as his age, old age-related ailments, and non-flight risk.
The high court had allowed relaxation from November 29, and the interim bail conditions, including refraining from making public comments and participating in public events, were set to continue until November 28. The state government argued in its plea to challenge the high court verdict that Naidu is an influential figure who facilitated the departure of two key associates, including a government servant, from the country.
On November 20, the Andhra Pradesh High Court granted bail to Naidu, emphasizing that discretion in granting bail should be exercised judiciously and compassionately. Naidu, who recently underwent cataract surgery, was arrested on September 9 and released on interim medical bail on October 31, which has now been regularized.
The charges against Naidu involve the misappropriation of funds from the Skill Development Corporation, allegedly causing a loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer.
The Supreme Court had earlier denied interim bail to Naidu on October 17, stating that it would pronounce a verdict on his plea challenging the high court's refusal to quash the FIR against him in the skill development corporation scam case.
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